Col. James Cameron, 79th NYVIR "Highlanders" First Bull Run

[kanemono]

Here is a group to Colonel James Cameron who was born in Maytown, Pennsylvania, on March 1, 1800. He was the editor of the Lycoming Gazette and studied law in the office of future president James Buchanan. At the outbreak of the Civil War Cameron proceeded to Washington D.C. where on June 20, 1861 he was appointed Colonel of the 79th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The 79th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, known as the "Highlanders" because its militia companies were composed mostly of men of Scottish descent. He was the brother of Simon Cameron, United States Senator and first United States Secretary of War in the cabinet of President Abraham Lincoln. At the age of 61, James Cameron was killed in action on July 21, 1861 at the First Battle of Bull Run, the first large battle of the Civil War. At a critical point in the battle Colonel Cameron was on the right side of the regiment's line and shouted "Come on, my brave Highlanders" as the line advanced. Cameron continued to inspire his men with his bravery in leading charges in an effort to recover Union batteries lost on Henry House Hill. Reforming at the direction of their officers after having been first repulsed, the regiment proceeded only to be hit by another volley that killed Colonel Cameron and inflicted additional casualties. Although his men first carried Cameron's body to the rear, his body was left on the field by the retreating Union force and was buried near the Dogan house. Confederate commander General Beauregard refused entreaties from Cameron's family and friends for permission to recover his body which was buried within the Confederate lines. Only after the Union Army took control of the area in 1862 was the family able to locate his grave, identify and recover his remains and have them re-interred in Lewisburg Cemetery at Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. The cased pistols were presented to James Cameron by Samuel Colt. This group belonged to a friend of mine and will be included in my new book.

Dick

[kanemono]

Next...

[kanemono]

The box in the last post belonged to Cameron's wife. It contains, along with her photograph, his razor, buttons and various other items that belonged to Colonel Cameron

[36thIDAlex]

Amazing amazing grouping. Not often you see such a great civil war grouping, much less one with such a story.

[The Iron Brigade]

Could you please tell me more about your new book? Thank you.

[sundance]

That's an amazing group. What a beautiful pair of pistols. Please fill us in about your new book.

[M24 Chaffee]

Great grouping and story!

 

Frank

[Sand Flea]

A very rare and unique grouping. Awesome, thank you for sharing it with us.

 

Alex

[kanemono]

Thank you for your comments. My new book will tell the story and show medal groupings and artifacts of 150 men and women who have served the United States from the Revolutionary War to the Korean War. The book will have 1220 color photographs of medals and artifacts and 226 sepia and black and white period photographs. There are portraits and photographs of most of the people in the book. I had the records of each individual researched at the National and State Archives and have also included the history of when and where they served. There is a chapter on research and an index of identifying the medals pictured in the book. The title of the book has not been finalized at this time. It will be released next spring by Schiffer Publishing.

Dick

[doyler]

Dick

 

Outstanding group.Thanks for posting.

 

Good luck with your upcoming book.

[KASTAUFFER]

WOW, thats an incredible group. Cant wait to see your book.

 

Kurt

[jagjetta]

Again, such a treat to see the depth of your collecting. Thank you for sharing,

 

John

[fstop61]

​Fantastic group....museum quality. Keep us posted on your book-the best of luck!